Here comes a year, bran spanking new

To greet, clear-eyed and strong.

(OR NOT.)

To face whatever may ensue,

Intent to do no wrong.

(WISHFUL THINKING.)

My muscles lack some tone and seem

More soft than firm and hard.

(WEAK AND SQUISHY.)

In truth, it would be fair to deem

That I’m a tub of lard.

(METHPHORICALLY SPEAKING.)

I’ll join a gym; I’ll climb a hill.

I’ll powerwalk and jog.

(HUFF. PUFF. PUFF.)

I’ll even try a weight loss pill.

I’ll work-out like a dog!

(OR NOT.)

My brain, as well, is tightly furled.

I need to read much more.

(WHERE’S MY LIBRARY CARD?)

The Great Books of the Western World

Shakespeare, Keats…and more.

(“HAIL TO THEE BLITHE SPIRIT...”)

I must work, too, upon my soul,

Think purifying thoughts.

(HUH?)

And once my soul is on a roll,

I’ll do just what I ought.

(THE ROAD TO HELL IS PAVED WITH…)

No lovely naps mid-afternoon,

Where great temptations lurk.

(THAT SOFA LOOKS MIGHTY TEMPTING.)

To bring my life to rack and ruin,

Beguile me from my work.

(WHO STOLE MY FOUNTAIN PEN?)

I’ll scheme and craft, research and plot;

I’ll strive to be my best!

(PHEW. I FOUND IT!)

I’ll write and write, all day…all night,

A self-improvement fest!

(I GET TIRED JUST THINKING ABOUT IT!)

The coming year’s brand spanking new,

And my resolve is high.

(GO! GO! GO!)

To do all that I plan to do.

At least, by God, I’ll try!

Copyright © Shelly Reuben, 2023.

Shelly Reuben’s books have been nominated for Edgar, Prometheus, and Falcon awards. For more about her writing, visit www.shellyreuben.com